Wednesday, May 03, 2006

10 books for change - and a TV on an altar

To my great delight, the Mannix library is having another booksale. 'The Life of Christ' by Bishop Fulton Sheen for $2.50! That's Australian dollars! I came across that sweet little Order of Mass in Latin and English booklet, and I got that for free! Quite sought after in these corners. Deo gratias. Wonderful too, 'Australian Liturgical Week - Melbourne, 1955'. This one is a collection of papers, and particularly interesting is the section on techniques for teaching liturgy to young people. Another treasure to delve into for some ideas and inspiration for $2.50.

My book pile is now that little more heavier, and I hope that I have some titles that will satisfy some friends. Which reminds me - Jude now has a blog: Pro Sanctis et Fidelibus, and is blogging up a right holy storm! Here is a sample:

I am sick and tired of calls for active participationBecause when made it can only cause frustrationFor when the laity's role is given considerationLike the priest they do have a proper vocationIt comes by virtue of baptism and confirmationAs a chosen race, royal priesthood, holy nationThis they must each accomplish by manifestationOf prayer, penance, charity as befits their stationLeaving the sacraments and grace's communicationTo those duly anointed for their administration.

Ad secundum - there is currently a television set on the altar of the chapel of St Brigid in the Cathedral as part of an art exhibition for Carnivale Christi. On passing I was quite revolted. I then read the accompanying blurb. It mentioned the television taking over the place of Christ. I looked again, and in my repulsion, I agreed. The 'exhibit' is completely sensible. The TV has been invested - let us all passively watch, too much noise to pray... I'm secretly fond of the crumbling altar exhibit in one of the side chapels, too. I'm not fond of a piece of work constructed upon the identity of a well-known soul in Melbourne.

In conclusion, I leave you with a quote from one of my lecturers - "Some churches now look so clinical that you could do a heart-transplant in them" - "without really a change of heart", I'm sure he added.

Deo gratias that I spent some quality time this evening in a church far from that description. I must approach the Parish Priest regarding future festivities... When I was in year 12, I didn't know what a monstrance was.